The 2nd meeting for the term on 8th Aug 2017 i.e. today, was something different from the ordinary, just as its theme suggested. Change, the only constant, something mankind tends to struggle with, at times yet has brought them this far. Today’s meeting was an extraordinary session because all the project speeches were replaced with a detailed briefing session by Pathways Ambassador and Guide, Mr. Ramdas Nayer, DTM on the new Pathways education programme in Toastmasters.
We had an array of guests who arrived early and enjoyed the classic Nasi lemak we serve here at MMKL. We’re known for our good food and hospitality. When the clock struck 7:15, our punctual SAA for the evening, Yap Ooi Yee, called the meeting to order introducing the house rules, leading the Toastmasters’ promise and inviting the President on stage to give her opening address.
Wendy Sim, CC opened the session by addressing the theme as a quote by Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher. She then invited the Grammarian, Joel Silas to introduce the word of the day which was “Inchoate”. He described with a beautiful example that just as how a butterfly is inchoate when it is in its cocoon. Inchoate simply means to be not fully formed or developed. Everyone who attended was given a chance to introduce themselves and share their thoughts about the theme of the day. They were also encouraged to use the word of the day as they speak. A variety of experiences, thoughts and ideas were contributed that night.
Upon that, the Toastmaster of the Evening took the stage to conduct the meeting proper. CP Lau, ACB, ALB, a skilled and experienced Toastmaster took up this role so willingly after a long time and delivered like a professional Master of Ceremonies. He, first highlighted the great history behind Toastmasters to all, especially for the knowledge of the guests and then called upon each role player to describe their role for the night.
Joel Silas, oh so willingly offered himself when called upon on the eleventh hour to be our Grammarian. Mary de Silva, our newest member rose to the challenge to take up her first role as the Ah-Counter. Mandy Chan, immediately agreed to be the Timer and Lai Yoong Hean, ACB, ALB also the Area Director for C1 was willing to be an immediate back up and became the General Evaluator for the night as one of the pre-planned GE could not make it. It is this sort of support that we look for and also get in Toastmasters.
It was 7.50pm and although we cancelled all project speeches for the night, we did not want our members to feel like they attended an unsatisfactory meeting. Therefore, we included a brief Table Topics™ Session under the care of our first time Table Topics™ Master, Shain Anand who came prepared with a variety of topics revolving around the theme. He threw the participants, both members and guests a good challenge with his intricate and mind blowing questions.
The following were the participants who stepped forward for the 2 minutes challenge:
- Jason
- Yap
- Jia Ming
- KL Loh
- Srikanth
All of them had great responses and it was a tough time choosing the best speaker indeed.
The time arrived for the main and important session that was particularly designed on the agenda that night. It was the detailed Pathways briefing that was conducted by the Pathways Ambassador Mr. Ramdas Nayer, DTM as mentioned above. He did a full pledged presentation for about an hour and above explaining about the new education programme. He enlightened the members and guests on the options and track that we had to choose from and follow. He shared with us about the time frame and how the old education would soon be obsolete and gave us a big picture of the new system which encouraged us to embrace the change that came along with it. Although the process is still inchoate, nevertheless with the right support and positive mindset everyone believes that it can be done. He entertained the very many questions from the floor throughout the session and although it went slightly over time it was indeed a fruitful session. He then moved on to officially pass the Pathways kit to the VPE of the club who is key person in charge of the transition of this new education system for the club.
After the much positively overwhelming session everyone settled for a short 5 minute break before we moved on to the next session. It was time for the breakfast session in Toastmasters known as the evaluation session. Just as how breakfast is the most nutritional meal of our day, evaluations provide the most constructive feedback for Toastmasters members to improve themselves.
The session was led by our General Evaluator, Lai Yoong Hean, ACB, ALB, who called upon Manish Jha, CC to begin with the evaluation for the Table Topics™. He gave his quality and detailed evaluation for all the participants to take and work on whilst staying motivated. Then, each role player gave their feedback that was tracked on paper under their best observation. Lastly, the General Evaluator gave his views and opinions about what he felt about the conduct of the meeting at our club for that night. He was pretty much impressed with many initiatives done by the club to have a smooth and pleasurable meeting.
Lai Yoong Hean, ACB, ALB, then changed his hat from being the General Evaluator back into being the Area Director for C1 and gave his Area Director’s address for having visited our club for the term. It was indeed an honour having him join us for our meeting. The meeting drew closer to its end with the awards presentation and the champion for the Table Topics™ was none other than our veteran member K L Loh, ATMG. He’s truly an example to those who wish to speak off hand like a pro. An appreciation was awarded to both our Area Director and the Pathways Ambassador for having made time to visit our club and enlighten us on the Pathways programme respectively.
Finally, Wendy Sim, CC, the President made the key announcements and ended the meeting with her simple and sweet closing address. Bright smiles were shown for the camera as we took a group photo and the meeting adjourned officially.
We then proceeded to cut the cake for our August babies in the club and ended the night with slices of that delicious carrot cake and looked forward to the next meeting where we will proceed with our routine agenda of having project speeches.
Everyone is looking forward to this new Pathways programme and together are willing to move forward for the change which is the only constant.
Blog writer: Chitirra
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